Ryan Adams- Big Colors (PAX-AM)
Ryan Adams’ recent output has understandably received little fanfare due to his problematic personal issues that have surfaced in recent years. Nevertheless, there is no denying that both Big Colors, and its preceding release Wednesdays, are still excellent albums. This project in particular feels like a renaissance of his peak Cardinal years, hitting that sweet spot where his music settles in at the intersections of Heartland glory, rock swagger, alt-synth and country-folk reflection. The title track, “Do Not Disturb”, and “Manchester” are certifiable moody bangers, while “Middle of the Line” rides a tasty country-rock groove. Elsewhere, downers like “Showtime” and “In It For the Pleasure” unapologetically sting and burn in the most bitterly honest ways. If you listen to just one track however (which is a very bad idea), make it “Power” with its truly ravenous riffs.
Gary Allan- Ruthless (EMI)
The California-country crooner’s long overdue tenth album finds the rugged veteran still very much in possession of his signature rich, character-laden twang and cool, confident swagger. The record’s sound remains nestled in the more pop-friendly realm of his 2010s output. While this may disappoint some diehards given the return of several Smoke Rings In the Dark session musicians, and the hope it surely sparked for a return to his formative 90s sounds or even his 2000s rock-tinged classics, Ruthless is nevertheless a satisfying outing from one of the most reliable and under-appreciated country acts of his time. Slick, smooth tracks like “Temptation” and “Slide” go down easy and without complaint. “Waste of a Whiskey Drink” is catchy as hell, and an early candidate for the 2020s’ best drinking tune. And “SEX” is precisely the opposite of what you’d expect such a title to sound like in the post-bro-country era: dark, thoughtful and the kind of mysterious sonic captivation that only Allan can craft.
Hiss Golden Messenger- Quietly Blowing It (Merge)
Anchored by its tremendous finale and one of the year’s true sleeper hits, “Sanctuary”, Hiss Golden Messenger’s twelfth studio release unsurprisingly plays like a peaceful requiem for these turbulent social times. And MC Taylor and his bandmates are doing anything but blowing it. This eleven song collection is sprinkled with a warm blanket of rich sounds ranging from everything from folk-rock and funk to country-soul and R&B. At the center of it all is Taylor’s sly but soothing voice and his inspiring lyricism. The highlights are plenty, with the ultimate favorite changing on each listen, but most often alternating between the stirring title track, and the swampy, social hiss of “Mighty Dollar”.
Amythyst Kiah- Wary + Strange (Rounder)
The sophomore album of roots journeywoman Amythyst Kiah may prove to be the most gratifying breakthrough moment of 2021. Wary + Strange is a no-holds-barred examination of a woman who has garnered plenty of pain, strength, prejudice (for her race, sexuality, and gender), and inspiration on her way to this fine musical showcase. Informing this body of work just as much as her human experience is the deep well of musical influences. She pulls from a rattling hybrid of folk, rock, blues & soul one moment on standouts like “Hangover Blues”, “Tender Organs” or “Fancy Drones (Fracture Me)” and then ever naturally segues back an entire century back to primitive country-blues on “Ballad of Lost”. The centerpieces of the record however remain the liberating rock battlecry, “Black Myself”, and “Wild Turkey”, a raw eulogy to her mother that will positively haunt you in your sleep.
Modest Mouse- The Golden Casket (Epic)
The seventh full-length from alternative giants, Modest Mouse is a characteristically and gloriously obtuse and messy thrill ride through trippy grooves, blood-rushing performances, and deep reflection on the tumultuous times we’re living in. In other words, it’s a perfect setting to unbox all the chaos, loneliness and emotional wreckage that has defined the past eighteen months on planet Earth. What’s perhaps most enthralling and beautiful is how Isaac Brock and company manage to invoke all of this reflection with as much gratitude for life and hope for the future as they do anger and confusion, with tracks like hit single “We Are Between”, “We’re Lucky”, “Never Fuck A Spider on the Fly”, and “Leave A Light On” best encapsulating that wide range of conflicted emotions.
Jennifer Nettles- Always Like New (Concord)
Jennifer Nettles long ago established herself as one of the most versatile vocalists of her generation, not just in country music, but in all corners of the American music landscape. She’s got the same theatric flare and dramatic performance tendencies of genre giants like Dolly and Reba before her, so recording an entire album of Broadway standards and show tunes seems hardly like a left-turn. It’s colorfully robust, dynamically entertaining, and above all else, proud and reverent of the material it showcases. A varied track list including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'”, “Almost Like Being In Love”, “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat”, and “There’s a Sucker Born Ev’ry Moment” more than shines a light on Nettles’ expressive, gorgeous range. Brandi Carlile provides a sterling guest turn on “It All Fades Away”, a moment only upstaged by the tenderly, tear-inducing read of Annie’s “Tomorrow”, which brings the record to a soul-shaking finale.
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